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- Tasks: Assist in preparing and serving meals while maintaining hygiene standards.
- Company: Join Serco, a respected organisation delivering essential public services worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy a stable role with clear hours, pension options, and discounts on major brands.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive team while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ/SVQ in Food Preparation and Food Safety certification required; previous catering experience preferred.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 21400 - 22300 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Catering Assistant role at Serco
Location: County Durham, DH8 6QY
Contract type: Permanent, Full time
Working Hours: 40 hours per week across 7 days, 8.30am – 6.30pm (rolling 4 week shift pattern)
Salary: £25,466.64 per annum + Excellent Benefits
The purpose of this role is to ensure all catering deliveries are efficiently checked, organised, and stored, while maintaining clean, safe, and hygienic catering areas. You will support stock management, assist the Chef with daily food preparation, and contribute to the smooth running of all kitchen operations.
What You’ll Do
- Support the Chef with daily food preparation and kitchen operations
- Receive, check, and organise catering deliveries
- Rotate stock and maintain accurate records
- Ensure all catering and storage areas are clean, tidy, and hygienic
- Assist with stock management, stock takes, and basic administration
- Follow all health, safety, security, and hygiene procedures
- Complete incident, security, and operational paperwork as required
- Promote equality, professionalism, and a positive working environment
What We’re Looking For
Skills & Knowledge
- Basic computer literacy (Excel, Word, Outlook)
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving and supervisory abilities
- Understanding of risk and conflict management
Qualifications
- City & Guilds 706/1&2 (or equivalent NVQ/SVQ) in Food Preparation & Production
- Food Safety Level 2 or 3
- Awareness of HACCP and allergen control
Experience
- Large-scale catering experience (e.g., Armed Forces, hospitals, or similar)
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines
What We Offer
- Salary Band 8
- Pension – 6%
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Chance to contribute to innovation in the public services
- A company passionate about diversity and inclusion
- A Serco benefits portal offering a wide range of discounts for major high street brands in Retail, Leisure & Hospitality
- A safe and supportive culture
Choose Serco for the opportunity to work with a company that prioritizes the betterment of people\’s lives and the provision of quality accommodation for those in need.
About Serco
At Serco, not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play, from caring for vulnerable people to managing complex public services. We are a team of 50,000 people responsible for delivering essential public services around the world in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We are innovators, committed to redesigning and improving public services for the benefit of everyone. By joining Serco you will have unlimited access to our Global Employee Networks – SercoInspire (Gender), SercoEmbrace (Multicultural), SercoUnlimited (Disability) and In@Serco (LGBT & Networks). Serco Employee Networks, led by colleagues who are passionate about diversity, inclusion and belonging.
Apply
Please click on the apply button to complete your application. Occasionally we receive a large volume of applications for our roles and when that happens we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment. At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. As such we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working. We operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas. We are proudly Disability Confident Leader employers and holder of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview. For help with your application please contact j&icareersUK@serco.com.
At Serco we support fair access to employment for those with unspent criminal convictions through the ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some may be exempt due to the nature of the role and the security clearance required). Please contact our recruitment team directly on j&icareersUK@serco.com to discuss.
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Catering Assistant employer: Serco
Contact Detail:
Serco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the Catering Assistant role at Serco. Highlight your relevant experience in high-pressure catering environments, such as military or healthcare settings, during any conversations you have with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your understanding of food safety and hygiene standards. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of HACCP and allergen control, as these are crucial for maintaining compliance in a catering environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your teamwork skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. Serco values a team-first attitude, so emphasising your ability to work well with colleagues will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Serco's mission and values, particularly their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs can give you an edge in interviews and discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Catering Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what Serco is looking for.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous catering experience, especially in high-pressure environments. Mention specific tasks you’ve performed that relate to food preparation, hygiene standards, and teamwork.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Make sure to mention any relevant qualifications such as NVQ/SVQ or City & Guilds in Food Preparation, and your Food Safety certification. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in food safety and preparation.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only summarises your CV but also expresses your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Use this opportunity to convey your passion for catering and how you can contribute to Serco's mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Show Your Passion for Catering
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the catering industry during the interview. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your dedication and love for food preparation, as this role requires energy and a team-first attitude.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Food Safety
Since the role involves maintaining high hygiene standards, be prepared to discuss your understanding of food safety regulations, HACCP, and allergen control. Mention any certifications you hold, like Food Safety Level 2 or 3, to showcase your qualifications.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Serco values teamwork, so be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. Discuss how you can contribute to a positive team environment, especially in a fast-paced setting.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
At the end of the interview, ask insightful questions about the catering assistant position and the team dynamics at Derwentside IRC. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it's the right fit for you.
